Leatherwork: A Manual of Techniques (Paperback)

by Geoffrey West (Author) "To make straightforward items, and where time is of no account, only a few basic tools are required for leatherworking..." (more)
Key Phrases: clicker knife, large plain handbag, stitching groover, Repeat Steps, Main Pocket (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Leather is a strong and versatile material, which is highly suitable for handicrafts. Anyone can learn the techniques of leatherworking, and with some basic tools and a little patience can produce articles that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. This book offers advice on selection of tools and different types of leather; step-by-step instruction on the techniques of cutting, bevelling, burnishing, hand-stitching, carving, stamping, and thronging; tips on how to avoid common pitfalls; and a range of interesting projects.

About the Author
Geoffrey West studied Art and Design at Brixton School of Building. He is a craftsman of many years' experience and was a craft teacher at Morley College specializing in leatherwork. Resident - Croydon, Surrey

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Crowood Press (March 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861267428
• ISBN-13: 978-1861267429
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #390,675 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Unsatisfied with the Book, January 10, 2007

By	Patricia Cornejo "Art Lover" (San Diego,CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I ordered the book since I'm interested in working professionally with leather. I've been working in different arts & crafts for more than twenty years and learned them mostly through books. In books I look first for deep and detailed information on tools, materials and techniques, the way the information is presented, the clearness of the procedures and the photographs that accompany and show the process. This book will NOT lead you through the learning process. This book is so basic and shallow that you can almost get the same information in the Internet. Geoffrey West shows a very limited information on tools, leather types, dyes and techniques. For instance the list of working tools are not numbered so if you're a novice to this art you wont distinguish a clicker knife from an awl. He quickly lists other auxiliary tools and lightly shows some dyeing options. This information is basic for the newcomer to understand how to handle moisture time, pressure, etc. The projects he shows are for people that already know how to work on leather not for beginners since the lack of pictures and complexity of directions makes it hard to interpret. It seems that this book wasn't written having the apprentice in mind. Besides, I was looking for a particular simple stitch style that is not shown in this book. I'm disappointed with the book and I wish I hadn't spent my money on it. Fortunately I stopped by a local leather place and I found a fantastic 58 pages book called Leather Crafting. It's published by Tandy Leather and it shows step by step all what you need to know to start working on your leather projects. The book has superb pictures and detailed explanation of how to use the tools and prepare the leather. I'm happy because the book cost me only $6.50. If you are serious about leather work do not buy this book, it does not worth your money.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good beginner book. It is NOT a complete text, October 12, 2007

By	KnottyFella (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

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This is a good beginner book. It is NOT a complete text, but has good information and presentation. It covers the basics, and for that it is a good book.

Some of the projects do appear to have been done by a juvenile, and not a very talented one at that. None the less, the information is good even if the demonstrations could be better.

This should not be the only leatherworking book in your library.